As you know, faithful readers, painting copies of masterworks has long been a favorite learning technique for me. Over the past 40 plus years, I have painted many including Rembrandt's The Polish Rider and Vermeer's Girl in the Red Hat both of which hang in my foyer. I have painted a number of other Rembrandts, a Franz Hals, and so many others I … [Read more...] about Learning from a Master Oil Painter: Johannes Vermeer
Pigments: Historical and Modern
There is a distinct difference between modern day pigments and the natural pigments used prior to the middle of the 1700s. In the past, artists had apprentices who ground the colors for them throughout the oil painting sessions. Because they were made by hand, the pigments retained a natural grittiness and consistency with larger particle size. Today's oil paint manufacturers make synthetic colors in huge vats where the end result is exceptional smoothness. Prior to the middle of the 1700, natural pigments came from dirt, minerals, and even plants.
How to Paint Lilacs: Modern vs. Historical Pigments
Last week, after deciding to paint some true beauties of the season (lilacs from my back yard), I faced a dilemma - which pigment should I use: modern or historical? As you know, I love using the natural pigments but sometimes there is no easy choice. In the historical/natural pigment world there are no rich brilliant purples available - with the … [Read more...] about How to Paint Lilacs: Modern vs. Historical Pigments
La Foce’: An Unforgettable Place
The Villa La Foce and its farm are located in southern Tuscany near Pienza and Montepulciano in the clay hills of Sienna/Crete Senesi. It overlooks Val d'Orcia and is a spectacularly beautiful area with a complex history dating back to the Etruscan period (7th century BCE to the 2nd century AD). The Villa was built in the late 1500s as a hospice … [Read more...] about La Foce’: An Unforgettable Place
Revisiting The Zecchi Art Supply Shop in Italy
In the late summer and fall of 2003, Dave and I spent 10 lovely weeks in Italy. This trip was planned specifically for me to paint the beauty of the countryside and soak up the endlessly interesting Italian culture. Chantal Kelly, our talented travel agent, knew all the best and picturesque places to stay and we were never disappointed with our … [Read more...] about Revisiting The Zecchi Art Supply Shop in Italy
Anatomy of an Oil Painting
Some of the most frequently asked questions from both artists and collectors are, "What is your process, how do you decide what to paint, and how do you think through to the finish of an oil painting?" Sometimes this is difficult to describe but I find if I plan with great detail then paint the painting in my mind's eye, it is usually successful. … [Read more...] about Anatomy of an Oil Painting
Maya Blue: A Natural Pigment a Little on the Shady Side
Just about the time I think that I have seen and used all the natural pigments to come along in the past 10,000 years or so, another new one pops up, at least it pops up new to me. Maybe I just overlooked this one, but it does seem that this pigment has not been around until recently. It is a lovely subtle blue called Maya Blue, an extraordinarily … [Read more...] about Maya Blue: A Natural Pigment a Little on the Shady Side